A comprehensive review on the documented characteristics of four Reticulitermes termites (Rhinotermitidae, Blattodea) of China / Uma revisão abrangente sobre as características documentadas de quatro cupins Reticulitermes da China

Termites are known as social insects worldwide. Presently in China 473 species, 44 genera and 4 families of termites have been reported. Of them, 111 Reticulitermes species are widely spread in different zones of China. The dispersion flight season of these Chinese Reticulitermes species are usually started from February to June, but in some regions different species are distributed, sharing their boundaries and having overlapping flight seasons. These reasons become important sources of hybridization between two different heterospecific populations of termites. It was confirmed that the fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs of some Reticulitermes termites have the capacity of cleavage. While the unfertilized eggs of R. aculabialis, R. chinensis and R. labralis cleaved normally and the only R. aculabialis unfertilized eggs develop in embryos. While, the R. flaviceps and R. chinensis were observed with their abnormal embryonic development, and not hatching of eggs parthenogenetically. They were reported more threatening to Chinese resources as they propagate with parthenogenesis, hybridization and sexual reproduction. Eggshell and macrophiles of eggs play important roles in species identification and control. Although, they are severe pests and cause a wide range of damages to wooden structures and products in homes, buildings, building materials, trees, crops, and forests in China's Mainland.

Os cupins são conhecidos como insetos sociais em todo o mundo. Atualmente na China foram relatadas 473 espécies, 44 gêneros e 4 famílias de cupins. Destas, 111 espécies de Reticulitermes estão amplamente distribuídas em diferentes zonas da China. A temporada de voo de dispersão dessas espécies chinesas de Reticulitermes geralmente começa de fevereiro a junho, mas em algumas regiões diferentes espécies são distribuídas, compartilhando seus limites e tendo temporadas de voo sobrepostas. Essas razões tornam-se importantes fontes de hibridização entre duas populações heteroespecíficas de cupins. Foi confirmado que os ovos fertilizados e não fertilizados de alguns cupins Reticulitermes possuem capacidade de clivagem. Já os ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis, R. chinensis e R. labralis clivaram normalmente, e os únicos ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis se desenvolvem em embriões. R. flaviceps e R. chinensis foram observados com desenvolvimento embrionário anormal, e não eclosão de ovos por partenogênese. Eles foram relatados como mais ameaçadores para os recursos chineses à medida que se propagam com partenogênese, hibridização e reprodução sexual. Casca de ovo e macrófilos de ovos desempenham papéis importantes na identificação e controle de espécies, embora sejam pragas graves e causem uma ampla gama de danos a estruturas e produtos de madeira em residências, edifícios, materiais de construção, árvores, plantações e florestas na China continental.

Secondary ear reconstruction based on the Nagata method after unsatisfactory microtia surgery outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up studies on auricular reconstruction procedures have reported postoperative complications; some of which can only be reversed with revision surgery. This study aims to provide a feasible surgical strategy based on the Nagata method for patients requiring secondary revision and verify mid-term aesthetic outcomes. METHODS: Secondary auricular reconstructions based on the Nagata method were performed on seven patients seeking secondary revision between 2017 and 2021. Scores of a five-point Likert scale and artificial intelligence ratings based on convolutional nerve networks were used as outcome measures. RESULTS: Five patients underwent complete two-stage ear reconstruction, and the other two patients underwent the first-stage microtia procedure only. Few complications were observed, except in Case 4; this patient required an additional minor surgery after frame exposure 6 weeks after the first-stage procedure. All revised ears showed clear anatomical structures, and all patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in postoperative versus preoperative scores by convolutional neural network models (p < 0.05). Cases 5 and 6, which involved projection surgeries only, had decreased artificial intelligence appearance scores postoperatively. CONCLUSION: After adequate preoperative evaluation, secondary auricle reconstruction based on the Nagata method can achieve reliable aesthetic outcomes with few complications. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05604456.

A comprehensive review on the documented characteristics of four Reticulitermes termites (Rhinotermitidae, Blattodea) of China.

Termites are known as social insects worldwide. Presently in China 473 species, 44 genera and 4 families of termites have been reported. Of them, 111 Reticulitermes species are widely spread in different zones of China. The dispersion flight season of these Chinese Reticulitermes species are usually started from February to June, but in some regions different species are distributed, sharing their boundaries and having overlapping flight seasons. These reasons become important sources of hybridization between two different heterospecific populations of termites. It was confirmed that the fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs of some Reticulitermes termites have the capacity of cleavage. While the unfertilized eggs of R. aculabialis, R. chinensis and R. labralis cleaved normally and the only R. aculabialis unfertilized eggs develop in embryos. While, the R. flaviceps and R. chinensis were observed with their abnormal embryonic development, and not hatching of eggs parthenogenetically. They were reported more threatening to Chinese resources as they propagate with parthenogenesis, hybridization and sexual reproduction. Eggshell and macrophiles of eggs play important roles in species identification and control. Although, they are severe pests and cause a wide range of damages to wooden structures and products in homes, buildings, building materials, trees, crops, and forests in China's Mainland.

Breast ductal carcinoma in situ with micro-invasion versus ductal carcinoma in situ: a comparative analysis of clinicopathological and mammographic findings.

AIM: To determine the differences in clinicopathological and mammographic findings between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and ductal carcinoma in situ with micro-invasion (DCIS-MI) and explore clinicopathological and mammographic factors associated with DCIS-MI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All DCIS patients with or without micro-invasion who underwent preoperative mammography at The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 through June 2020 were identified retrospectively. The correlations of clinicopathological findings with DCIS-MI were evaluated using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses. Imaging findings were compared between the groups by using the Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 445 DCIS lesions and 151 DCIS-MI lesions were included in the final analysis. Large extent (≥2.7 cm), high nuclear grade, comedo-type, negative progesterone receptor (PR), negative oestrogen receptor (ER), high Ki-67 and axillary lymph node metastasis were more frequently found in DCIS-MI than in DCIS (all p<0.05), and the first four of these were found to be independent predictors of DCIS-MI in the multivariate analysis (all p<0.05). Regarding imaging findings, compared to DCIS, DCIS-MI showed fewer occult lesions and more lesions with calcifications in mass, asymmetry, and architectural distortion (p=0.004). Grouped calcifications were usually associated with DCIS, while regional calcifications were commonly found in DCIS-MI (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Large extent, high nuclear grade, comedo-type and negative PR were found to be independent predictors of DCIS-MI. Lesions with calcifications and regional calcifications were more likely associated with DCIS-MI on mammography.

MiR-146 regulates the repair and regeneration of intervertebral nucleus pulposus cells via Notch1 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of regulation of micro-ribonucleic acid (miR)-146 expression targeting the Notch1 pathway on the repair and regeneration of intervertebral nucleus pulposus cells, and to explore the possible underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intervertebral nucleus pulposus cells were harvested from rats and cultured in vitro. All cells were randomly divided into 4 groups, including the normal group, the miR-146 inhibitor group, the miR-146 over-expression group and the negative control group. The cells in the normal group were cultured normally. Meanwhile, the cells in the miR-146 inhibitor group and miR-146 over-expression group were transfected with inhibitor-containing plasmid and miR-146-containing plasmid, respectively. However, the cells in the negative control group were transfected with empty plasmid. 24 h after transfection, the cells were collected for subsequent experiments. The differentiation of nucleus pulposus cells was detected via toluidine blue staining. The relative protein expression levels of Notch1, aggrecan (ACAN) and COL II were detected via Western blotting. Meanwhile, the mRNA expressions of miR-146 and Notch1 were detected via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Furthermore, the apoptosis and proliferation of cells were detected via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8; Dojindo, Kumamoto, Japan) assay, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, toluidine blue positive staining was significantly increased in miR-146 overexpression group (p<0.05), whereas was significantly decreased in the miR-146 inhibitor group (p<0.05). The results of Western blotting revealed that compared with normal group, the protein expression of Notch1 was markedly decreased in miR-146 over-expression group (p<0.05), whereas the expression levels of ACAN and COL II were notably increased (p<0.05). However, the miR-146 inhibitor group exhibited significantly increased the protein expression level of Notch1 (p<0.05), as well as markedly decreased the expressions of ACAN and COL II (p<0.05). The results of qPCR showed that compared with the normal group, the expression level of miR-146 was significantly increased in the miR-146 over-expression group. However, the mRNA expression level of Notch1 was remarkably decreased (p<0.05). Similarly, the miR-146 inhibitor group exhibited significantly decreased expression level of miR-146, as well as markedly increased mRNA expression level of Notch1 (p<0.05). Compared with those in the normal group, the cell proliferation rate was markedly increased, whereas cell apoptosis was remarkably decreased (p<0.05) in the miR-146 over-expression group. Furthermore, the cell proliferation rate was significantly decreased, while the cell apoptosis was remarkably increased (p<0.05) in the miR-146 inhibitor group. CONCLUSIONS: Regulating miR-146 expression can target the Notch1 signaling pathway, thereby exerting important influences on the repair and regeneration of intervertebral nucleus pulposus cells.

Discovery and identification of fatigue-related biomarkers in human saliva.

OBJECTIVE: To identify stable and specific biomarkers/biomarker combinations for fatigue assessment and establish a discriminant model. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Saliva was collected and electroencephalogram analysis was performed for 47 emergency physicians while awake and after continuoutas duty for 18-24 h. Physicians were divided into the fatigue and non-fatigue groups. Protein spectra of completely quantified saliva specimens were identified before and after long working hours using mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed through Proteome Discoverer software combined with SEQUEST to search protein databases. Proteins were characterized by collision-induced dissociation spectra. A global internal standard (GIS) was added to each group of samples and labeled by tandem mass tags m/z 131.1. All data were compared with GIS, and data between groups were further compared. Qualitative and quantitative data on proteins were exported for fatigue-related proteomic analysis, and a fatigue assessment model was established. RESULTS: We identified 767 salivary proteins in the fatigue group. The correct rates of the discriminant function of the non-fatigue and fatigue groups were 97.1% and 91.7%, respectively (the total correct rate was 95.7%). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 30 fatigue-related protein markers from saliva. We also established a fatigue assessment model for emergency physicians using salivary biomarkers.

[Prognostic significance of early phase donor chimerism after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation].

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic significance of early phase full donor chimerism (FDC) after myeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT). Methods: The clinical data of 72 hematological patients received myeloablative allo-PBSCT from Feb. 2016 to Jul. 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The median age was 36.5 years (range 4-59), 44 were males and 28 females. Of the donors, there were 35 HLA matched sibling donors, 27 haploidentical donors and 10 unrelated donors. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of short tandem repeat sequence (PCR-STR) was used to detect donor cell chimerism (DC) rate of recipient bone marrow at one, two and three months after transplantation. Results: The median follow-up was 462 d (range: 47-805 d), 55 cases were still alive, and 45 cases were disease-free survival (DFS) at the end of follow-up. The 2-year overall survival (OS) and DFS were (68.9±7.7)% and (59.5±6.3)%, respectively. A number of 16 cases underwent relapses, with 2-year cumulative incidence of (24.1±5.3)%. The median time of recurrence was 157(32-374) d. Forty cases (55.6%) developed acute graft-versus-host diseases (aGVHD), with median time of 35.5 (13-90) d. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) occurred in 23 patients (31.9%), with median time of 169 (94-475) d. Univariate analysis found the following factors were not related to OS, DFS or relapse rate (RR), including age, sex, blood type and sex of donor-recipient, occurrence of aGVHD and cGVHD. The OS and DFS in cases reached FDC and no FDC at two months after transplantation were (85.2±6.9)% vs (66.1±7.7)% (P=0.051) and (76.7±7.7)% vs (48.9±8.1)% (P=0.021), respectively. The RR rate in FDC group was lower than that in no FDC group [(16.6±6.8)% vs (30.4±7.8)%, P=0.187, respectively]. Conclusion: The present study confirmed the important value for predicting the prognosis with whether or not the patients reached FDC at the early phase after allo-PBSCT. The OS and DFS in cases with FDC at two months after transplantation were significantly higher than those of no FDC patients.

[Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treatment of refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia: outcomes and prognostic factors].

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) . Methods: The overall survival (OS) , disease free survival (DFS) , acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) , relapse rate (RR) , transplantation related mortality (TRM) and their related risk factors were analyzed retrospectively. Results: All the patients (median age 35 years, range 6 to 58) received myeloablative conditioning regimens. All patients had successful engraftment, and the median time of neutrophils engraftment was 14 days (range 9 to 25) . Of the patients who survived more than 100 days, the accumulative incidence of grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ acute GVHD and chronic GVHD (cGVHD) were 27.3% (95%CI 18.9%-36.3%) , 33.9% (95%CI 24.6%-43.5%) , respectively. Meanwhile, the accumulative incidence of extensive cGVHD was 9.3% (95%CI 4.5%-16.1%) . The 3-year OS, DFS, RR, and TRM was 45.0% (95%CI 34.6%-55.4%) , 45.0% (95%CI 34.8%-55.2%) , 36.6% (95%CI 26.9%-46.4%) and 19.7% (95%CI 12.4%-28.3%) respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed four independent risk factors: non remission status before transplantation[P=0.009, HR=2.21 (95%CI 1.22-4.04) ], WBC at diagnosis>50×10(9)/L[P=0.024, HR=2.11 (95%CI 1.11-4.02) ], donor age>35 years [P=0.031, HR=1.96 (95%CI 1.06-3.60) ]and without cGVHD[P=0.008, HR=0.38 (95%CI 0.18-0.78) ]. According to the risk factors before transplantation (non remission status, WBC at diagnosis>50×10(9)/L, donor age>35 years) , we then defined three subgroups with striking different OS at 3 years: no adverse factor (75.0%) ; one adverse factor (46.9%) ; two or three adverse factors (15.4%) (χ(2)=26.873, P<0.001) . Conclusion: Allo-HSCT is a promising and safe choice for patients with refractory and relapsed AML and relapse is the major cause of the transplantation failure. Disease status before transplantation, donor age, WBC at diagnosis and cGVHD are confirmed as prognostic factors for these patients who received allo-HSCT.

[Radical cystectomy in patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer].

OBJECTIVE: Carcinoma of bladder is the most common malignancy in the urinary system in China. Most patients with this disease had non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) at the time of diagnosis. Radical cystectomy was indicated for patients with high risk or refractory NMIBC. We aimed to investigate the overall survival and disease-specific survival and related influence factors in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. METHODS: From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2012, a total of 164 patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Clinical data were retrospectively collected.Incidence of lymph node metastasis and disease recurrence were calculated. The risk factors of disease recurrence were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to estimate the overall survival and cancer-specific survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS: Of all the patients included, 159 had T1 disease, and 5 had CIS only. The median follow-up duration was 46.5 months (range: 7-99 months). Fourteen patients were lost during the follow-up. Lymph node metastasis was noted in 6 patients (3.7%), 4 patients had N1 disease, one patient had N2 disease, and one patient had N3 disease. Disease recurrence occurred in 16 patients (9.8%).The most common recurrence sites were the liver, bones, and lungs. The 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival for all the patients were 85% and 91%, respectively. The patients who underwent pelvic lymph node dissection showed a better prognosis in terms of disease-specific survival than those without (P=0.012). Patients with recurrence harbored a significant poorer survival (P<0.001). According to univariate Cox regression analysis, whether lymph node dissection was performed was an independent risk factor of disease recurrence (P=0.050, OR=2.695, 95%CI 0.999-7.271). In COX regression model, age (P=0.008, OR=1.071, 95%CI 1.018-1.126) and whether lymph node dissection was performed (P=0.011, OR=3.385, 95%CI 1.329-8.621) were related to disease-specific survival. CONCLUSION: Patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent early radical cystectomy have a favorable prognosis, and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection is essential for this procedure as it gains a survival benefit for the patients.

[Radical cystectomy in patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer].

OBJECTIVE: Carcinoma of bladder is the most common malignancy in the urinary system in China. Most patients with this disease had non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) at the time of diagnosis. Radical cystectomy was indicated for patients with high risk or refractory NMIBC. We aimed to investigate the overall survival and disease-specific survival and related influence factors in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. METHODS: From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2012, a total of 164 patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Clinical data were retrospectively collected.Incidence of lymph node metastasis and disease recurrence were calculated. The risk factors of disease recurrence were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to estimate the overall survival and cancer-specific survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS: Of all the patients included, 159 had T1 disease, and 5 had CIS only. The median follow-up duration was 46.5 months (range: 7-99 months). Fourteen patients were lost during the follow-up. Lymph node metastasis was noted in 6 patients (3.7%), 4 patients had N1 disease, one patient had N2 disease, and one patient had N3 disease. Disease recurrence occurred in 16 patients (9.8%).The most common recurrence sites were the liver, bones, and lungs. The 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival for all the patients were 85% and 91%, respectively. The patients who underwent pelvic lymph node dissection showed a better prognosis in terms of disease-specific survival than those without (P=0.012). Patients with recurrence harbored a significant poorer survival (P<0.001). According to univariate Cox regression analysis, whether lymph node dissection was performed was an independent risk factor of disease recurrence (P=0.050, OR=2.695, 95%CI 0.999-7.271). In COX regression model, age (P=0.008, OR=1.071, 95%CI 1.018-1.126) and whether lymph node dissection was performed (P=0.011, OR=3.385, 95%CI 1.329-8.621) were related to disease-specific survival. CONCLUSION: Patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent early radical cystectomy have a favorable prognosis, and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection is essential for this procedure as it gains a survival benefit for the patients.

Rumex acetosa L. induces vasorelaxation in rat aorta via activation of PI3-kinase/Akt- AND Ca(2+)-eNOS-NO signaling in endothelial cells.

Rumex acetosa L. (RA) (Polygonaceae) is an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) commonly used in clinic for a long history in China and the aerial parts of RA has a wide variety of pharmacological actions such as diuretic, anti-hypertensive, anti-oxidative, and anti-cancer effects. However, the mechanisms involved are to be defined. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the vasorelaxant effect and define the mechanism of action of the ethanol extract of Rumex acetosa L. (ERA) in rat aorta. ERA was examined for its vascular relaxant effect in isolated phenylephrine-precontracted rat thoracic aorta and its acute effects on arterial blood pressure. In addition, the roles of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-nitric oxide (NO) signaling in the ERA-induced effects were tested in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The phosphorylation levels of Akt and eNOS were assessed by Western blot analysis in the cultured HUVECs. ERA induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. The ERA-induced vasorelaxation was abolished by L-NAME (an NOS inhibitor) or ODQ (a sGC inhibitor), but not by indomethacin. Inhibition of PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway markedly reduced the ERA-induced vasorelaxation. In HUVECs, ERA increased NO formation in a dose-dependent manner, which was inhibited by L-NAME and by removing extracellular Ca(2+). In addition, ERA promoted phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS, which was prevented by wortmannin and LY294002, indicating that ERA induces eNOS phosphorylation through the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway. Further, in anesthetized rats, intravenously administered ERA decreased arterial blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner through an activation of the NOS-NO system. In summary, the ERA- induced vasorelaxation was dependent on endothelial integrity and NO production, and was mediated by activation of both the endothelial PI3-kinase/Akt- and Ca(2+)-eNOS-NO signaling and muscular NO-sGC-cGMP signaling.

Cardiovascular effects of ethanol extract of Rubus chingii Hu (Rosaceae) in rats: an in vivo and in vitro approach.

Rubus chingii Hu (Rosaceae) is an important traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to improve function of the kidney and treat excessive polyuria. However, the effects of Rubus chingii on the cardiovascular system and its pharmacological mechanisms of action have not been studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of ethanol extract of Rubus chingii (ERC) in rats. The changes in systolic blood pressure and heart rate of rats and vascular tone of aortic rings in in vitro were measured using pressure transducer and force transducer, respectively, connected to a multichannel recording system. ERC decreased systolic blood pressure and heart rate in a concentration-dependent manner. ERC induced vasorelaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. The ERC-induced vasorelaxation was not observed in the absence of the endothelium. The vasorelaxant effect of ERC was significantly attenuated by inhibition of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), or Ca(2+) entry from extracellular sources with L-NAME, ODQ, diltiazem, or extracellular Ca(2+) depletion, respectively. Similarly, an inhibition of Akt with wortmannin attenuated the ERC-induced vasorelaxation. Modulators of the store-operated Ca(2+) entry, thapsigargin, Gd(3+), and 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate markedly attenuated the ERC-induced vasorelaxation. Furthermore, 4-aminopyridine an inhibitor of voltage-dependent K(+) (KV) channel, significantly attenuated the ERC-induced vasorelaxation. However, tetraethylammonium and glibenclamide, had no significant effect on the ERC-induced vasorelaxation. Indomethacin, atropine, and propranolol had no effects on the ERC-induced vasorelaxation. The present study demonstrates that ERC induces vasorelaxation via endothelium-dependent two-step signaling: an activation of the Ca(2+)-eNOS-NO signaling in the endothelial cells and then subsequent stimulation of the NO-sGC-cGMP-KV channel signaling in the vascular smooth muscle cells. The Akt-eNOS pathway is also suggested to be involved in this relaxation. Also, the findings suggest that the ERC-induced vasorelaxation is closely related to the hypotensive action of the agent.

Identification of a novel HLA-A allele, A*02:357, in a Chinese individual.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02:357 differs from A*02:01:01:01 by a single nucleotide at position 840 from A to T exon 4, leading to amino acid substitution from Arg to Ser.

Identification of a novel HLA-A allele A*33:61 in a Chinese individual.

HLA-A*33:61 has two nucleotides change from A*33:03:01 at positions 559 and 560 in exon 3 where A→C and C→G (codon 163 ACG→CGG).

Establishment and biological characteristics of Qingyuan partridge chicken fibroblast line.

The aim of this work was to seek a different approach to conserving important domestic animals in imminent danger. A Qingyuan partridge chicken embryonic fibroblast line, containing 336 cryovials with 8x10(6) cells each, was successfully established from 60 Qingyuan partridge chicken embryos using explant culture and cryopreservation techniques. The cells were morphologically consistent with fibroblasts. The growth curve was a typical "S" shape having a detention phase, a logarithmic phase, and a plateau phase. The population doubling time was approximately 72 h. Tests for bacteria, fungi, viruses, and Mycoplasma were all negative. Isoenzyme polymorphism indicated that the genetic characteristics of the cell line were stable in vitro. Karyotyping analysis suggested that the chromosome number of a normal cell was 2n=78 and 93.4% of the entire population was diploid. The transfection efficiencies of 6 fluorescent proteins (pEGFP-C1, pEGFP-N3, pDsRed-N1, pEYFP-N1, pECFP-N1, and pECFP-mito) optimal at 48 h were from 15.1 to 39.8%. The cell line met all of the criteria from the American Type Culture Collection. Not only has the germline of this important chicken breed been preserved at the cell level, but also valuable material has been provided for genome, postgenome, and somacloning research. Moreover, the establishment of this technical platform may provide both technical and theoretical support for storing the genetic resources of other animals and poultry at the cell level.

Relationship between urinary iodine and goiter prevalence: results of the Chinese national iodine deficiency disorders survey.

BACKGROUND: In 1984, Yu Zhiheng proposed the "U-curve" regularity between urinary iodine (UI) and goiter prevalence (GP). However, along with the adjustment of salt iodine and iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), and surveys followed, some defects were found in the research. As a result, it is time to test and enrich the theory as a series of large sample survey data from China would be helpful. AIM: To test and enrich the theory of "U-curve" relationship between UI and GP. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Based on the Chinese national IDD surveys (1999, 2002, 2005), the High Water Iodine survey of 2005, and the High Risk endemias survey of 2007, this article analyzed the relationship between UI and GP. The UI was grouped according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard, self-defined (5 microg/l), and Yu Zhiheng's level, separately, the GP was calculated for population with different UI level, the tendency curve was drawn and the fitting curve model was estimated by SPSS. RESULTS: For the 2005 Chinese national survey and 2005 High Water Iodine survey, we finally got the fitting curves and corresponding UI reference limits. CONCLUSIONS: The UI and GP formed a "U curve" relationship. It varied with some reasons and fell into an accurate U shape step by step. For High Water Iodine endemias survey, the relationship changed to "power curve". Regarding the WHO recommended GP<5%, the UI range of school-age children in normal district should be 110-315 microg/l, whereas, in high water iodine district should be <80 microg/l.

Conditional quantum phase gate between two 3-state atoms.

We propose a scheme for conditional quantum logic between two 3-state atoms that share a quantum data bus such as a single mode optical field in cavity QED systems, or a collective vibrational state of trapped ions. Making use of quantum interference, our scheme achieves successful conditional phase evolution without any real transitions of atomic internal states or populating the quantum data bus. In addition, it requires only common addressing of the two atoms by external laser fields.

Transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among men with urethritis and their female sex partners.

Transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among infected men and their female sex partners was examined using a design enhancing the likelihood that spread was directed from men to women. Chlamydia culture-negative specimens were examined using DNA amplification tests. Infection rates in women exposed to male sex partners with Chlamydia only were 65% (20/31) and with gonorrhea only were 73% (33/45). Infection of women by either agent was not influenced by the number of sexual exposures to or coinfection in men. There was a 98% (40/41) concordance of N. gonorrhoeae isolates among partners by auxotype and serovar. Chlamydia isolates were serotyped using ELISA and immunofluorescence testing and confirmed by nested polymerase chain reaction: 50% (6/12) of men and 57% (8/14) of women yielded mixed serovars. Sixty-four percent of pairs (9/14) were infected with identical serovars and an additional 28% shared at least one serovar. Multiple serovars of C. trachomatis, but not of N. gonorrhoeae, were common in sex partners and exchanged frequently.

Association between HLA antigens and families with psoriasis vulgaris.

This paper typed HLA-A, B, C and DR antigens in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and healthy persons in 12 families. The phenotype frequencies of HLA-A1, B13, B17, Cw4 and Cw6 in the patients were higher than those in the controls. The analysis of haplotype segregation showed that HLA haplotypes in families with more psoriatic cases were marked deviation from random distribution. One or two HLA haplotypes sharing among affected siblings occurred more frequently than expected. The result of Lods score for six families showed that there was a close linkage between the gene of psoriasis vulgaris and HLA antigens. The gene of psoriasis was coincided with the recessive hereditary mode.